My Fluffy Tutor – Pet-owner Training

He came into my life suddenly one frosty December day. He was a tiny roll of white and brown fur, helpless, tender, with a curious glitter deep into his watchful dark eyes.

I saw his photo on a web-site of a local asylum for stray animals and just couldn’t leave him there. As a reward I got incredible love and boundless devotion from his side… and also an inexhaustible source of mischief and fun.

Of course I knew that I would have to train him but I didn’t expected that this small pup also had an intensive tutoring program for me. From the very first day he taught me that each thing has its place and this place is high above the floor or behind the locked doors. Every item which wasn’t lucky enough to be in such a safe place turned completely useless and broken almost immediately. So it took me only several hours to become a very tidy and careful mistress. The second skill which I learnt very quickly was a strict punctuality. Timely walk in the open air is much more pleasant than a long cleaning and repairing of the room. Actually he wasn’t a really demanding tutor and I was a quite smart student so after some adjustments I’ve got a chance to take over the tutoring initiative.

I spent a lot of time watching online movies and reading books and I discovered that there are several completely different approaches to dog training. And the main question which any new dog’s owner should ask to himself is: “What do I need this dog for? Do I need a ruthless guard or a maltreated slave or just a good companion and faithful friend”. I came to the conclusion that I didn’t need a guard dog blindly executing my orders. Instead I decided to bring up a cheerful and faithful friend. And this substantially simplified my task. For this purpose I didn’t have to drum into him all commands required by standard training programs. In fact there are only two orders that each dog must strictly execute: Stop and Come or Here. That is all! The rest is only your will and imagination.

Each dog strives to set up a close contact with its owner otherwise it feels lonely and miserable. But dogs don’t know human’s language so we must teach them. Just talk to your dog! Whatever you do, during a walk or playing a game. Don’t be afraid to look silly. With time you will notice that your pet understands not just several standard phrases but also words which you’ve never taught him intentionally. Dog will also recognise your facial expressions, gestures and voice intonations. These indications are even more informative and clear for dogs but they can learn them only in the course of communication with you.

Another step to mutual understanding with the dog is acceptance of some laws of the dogs’ community. Dogs like wolves live in packs and when you bring a dog into your home you become a member of its pack. It is vitally important to proof to your dog that you occupy a dominating position. It’s not that difficult as you may expect. You must obey 3 simple rules and a post of leader is yours:

1. Priority in food: always eat first before feeding a dog; even if you are not hungry just swipe something delicious from kitchen.

2. A dog must have its own bedding and it is not in your bed: it’s a pity but you have to forget how pleasant it is to sleep with a warm pet beside you; you are a leader and your bed is your throne which is unattainable for your whiskered subordinate.

3. Always keep initiative in your hands: never forget that it is you who decides when to start a game or to pet your dog; just ignore a toy which a dog pokes into your hand, send it away and call back in a few minutes.

Of course there are many other peculiarities but these rules will allow you to subdue a dog without swearing and violence. Leader of a wolves’ pack never whips or abuses the juniors. Keep in mind your eminence, be worthy of this honor. Your home differs radically from a natural habitat of the dogs so some unpleasant surprises are inevitable. But none the less they live beside humanity for several centuries and their habits are well-known. In most cases if you want to reprove your dog it is enough just to say a few words in low voice and it will understand its fault. At the worst you can growl at a little imp, it is also a good way to relieve your stress. The most extreme penalty is to seize a furry criminal by the scruff of the neck and to shake but don’t use this kind of punishment without valid reason. This is the language which any dog can understand. Be patient, persistent and love your dog and you can teach it even to dance.

If you have any further questions concerning dog training contact Miss Vivian B., one of TutorZ’ qualified dog trainers.